For investors and market watchers relying on real-time financial data, understanding the sources behind that information is crucial. Wall Street Journal Prime stands as a trusted platform for up-to-the-minute market insights. This guide breaks down the data sources that power the financial information you see on the Wall Street Journal, ensuring you know where your data originates.
Real-Time Stock Quotes and Market Data
When tracking stock performance, the Wall Street Journal provides detailed quotes. It’s important to note the nuances in how this data is delivered:
- U.S. Stock Quotes (Real-time via Nasdaq): Quotes for U.S. stocks that you see in real-time are trades reported through Nasdaq.
- Comprehensive Quotes & Volume (Delayed): For a complete picture of market activity, including volume, the data reflects trading across all markets. However, this comprehensive data is delayed by at least 15 minutes.
- International Stock Quotes (Delayed): Data for international stocks is also subject to delays, as per the requirements of individual exchanges.
- Fundamental Company Data and Analyst Estimates: Essential company fundamentals and analyst projections are provided by FactSet, a leading financial data and software company.
FactSet Logo – A Key Data Source for Wall Street Journal Prime, Providing Financial Data and Market Analysis
Index, Market Diary, and Stock Movers Information
Beyond individual stocks, the Wall Street Journal offers insights into broader market trends:
- Index Quotes (Real-time or Delayed): Index quotes, such as the Dow Jones Industrial Average or S&P 500, may be in real-time or delayed depending on exchange policies. Always refer to the timestamps provided to understand any potential delays. Data is sourced from FactSet.
- Markets Diary (Comprehensive U.S. Market Data): The Markets Diary section offers an overview of U.S. market trading activity across all U.S. markets, updating until 8 p.m. for a broad market summary. For official 4 p.m. closing data, refer to the Closing Diaries table. Data is sourced from FactSet and Dow Jones.
- Stock Movers (Gainers, Decliners, Actives): Tables showcasing top stock movers are compiled from NYSE, Nasdaq, NYSE American, and NYSE Arca listings, giving a combined view of market movers. Sources are FactSet and Dow Jones.
- ETF Movers (High Volume ETFs): This includes data on Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) and Exchange Traded Notes (ETNs) with significant trading volume, specifically those with at least 50,000 in volume. Data comes from FactSet and Dow Jones.
Fixed Income, Currencies, and Commodities Data
For those tracking other asset classes:
- Bonds (Real-time Quotes): Bond quotes on the Wall Street Journal are updated in real-time, providing immediate insights into fixed income markets. Data is sourced from FactSet and Tullett Prebon.
- Currencies (Real-time Quotes): Currency exchange rates are also updated in real-time, reflecting the dynamic nature of global currency markets. Sources are FactSet and Tullett Prebon.
- Commodities & Futures (Delayed Prices): Futures prices are delayed by at least 10 minutes due to exchange regulations. Price changes are calculated based on settlement prices, ensuring accuracy across trading periods. Data is provided by FactSet.
Mutual Funds, ETFs, and Cryptocurrency Data
For investors interested in funds and digital assets:
- Mutual Funds & ETFs (Lipper Data): Most mutual fund and ETF information, excluding current price and price history, is provided by Lipper, a Refinitiv Company. It’s important to note that this Lipper content is copyrighted by Refinitiv, and redistribution is prohibited without prior consent. Lipper is not liable for any errors or delays in the content.
- Cryptocurrencies (Real-time Quotes): Cryptocurrency quotes are presented in real-time. Bitcoin data is sourced from CoinDesk, while data for all other cryptocurrencies is provided by Kraken.
Economic Calendars and Reports
Staying informed on economic events is key:
- Calendars and Economy (Kantar Media): The Wall Street Journal’s economic calendars are powered by Kantar Media. ‘Actual’ numbers in economic reports are updated in the tables after the reports are officially released.
Data Usage and Disclaimer
It is vital to understand the terms of data usage:
- Informational Purposes Only: Data provided is strictly for informational purposes and is not intended for trading activities.
- ‘As Is’ Provision: Data is provided ‘as is’ without warranties regarding accuracy, merchantability, or fitness for a particular purpose.
- Limitation of Liability: FactSet and Lipper are not liable for errors, delays, incompleteness, or actions taken based on the data, or any resulting damages.
- Potential Data Delays: Be aware that data may be intentionally delayed due to supplier requirements.
By understanding these data sources and disclaimers, users of Wall Street Journal Prime can confidently navigate financial information and make more informed decisions. Recognizing the origin and potential limitations of data ensures a more robust and educated approach to financial markets.
